Chapter 37 – That’s Her, Tie Her Up
“Can I… go back now?”
Seeing no response, Erika softly repeated her question.
“You may. The test can’t continue anyway. Those who passed may leave.”
Vanessa finally spoke. As she did, she pulled out a bronze badge from her pocket and handed it to Erika.
“What’s this?”
Taking the badge, Erika looked puzzled. She examined it and noticed the engraving had changed to a leaf design—more refined.
“This is your student badge.”
Vanessa gave a wry smile. “You’ve passed. You scored full marks on the second test. Your magic power is far stronger than I expected—you have great potential.
However, according to exam rules, since you handed in a blank paper on the first test, you’re only getting a Shantong-tier student certification. Be sure to attend class tomorrow.”
I passed?
Erika was surprised. She had thought she was doomed and was planning to just go home and loaf around. Who would’ve thought she’d pass even after handing in a blank test?
“You heard me. Be in class tomorrow, no fooling around.”
“Ah… okay.”
Replacing her exam badge with the student one, Erika was still in a bit of a daze.
Now that she could leave, she had no intention of staying any longer. She headed straight for the academy gate.
The other freshmen, still reeling from the shattered crystal orb, didn’t even notice she had left.
...
The weather in the northern part of the Imperial Capital was great. Many people were out strolling or gathering for various activities.
After spending all morning at the academy, Erika was getting hungry.
It was noon, and the streets were bustling with taverns and snack shops, packed with customers. Laughter and conversation spilled from open doors.
Of course, patrol guards were present on the streets as well—clad in heavy armor and bearing stoic expressions, their presence inspired a sense of security.
She was one of the first to leave Wode Academy.
Erika wandered lazily in the direction of home.
She still craved the meat buns from earlier, but she had no money left. Holding her little belly, she walked home pitifully.
Just thinking about how Gladys would make her eat vegetables made her shiver.
“Maybe I can find something to eat somewhere?”
Muttering to herself, Erika started aimlessly wandering through the shopping district.
“Come check it out! Freshly picked Luoli fruit—big and sweet! If it’s not sweet, it’s free!”
The fruit vendor’s shout quickly drew Erika’s attention.
She really wanted meat, but with no money, she ended up at the fruit stall.
Kneeling slightly, legs pressed together, she extended a tiny finger and pointed at one of the fruits.
“Mister, can I try one?”
“Of course, little girl!”
The vendor grinned broadly. “One bite and I promise you’ll fall in love with these.”
“You said it’s free if it’s not sweet?”
“Not sweet, not a cent!” he replied proudly, patting his chest.
Without hesitation, Erika picked up a fruit and started munching on it. In no time, she’d finished it.
Seeing how quickly she ate, the vendor chuckled. “Well, little one? It’s sweet, right? Didn’t lie to you, did I?”
“Mm, it is sweet.”
Erika nodded, then looked at him with pleading eyes. “Can you pick out a few for me?”
“Sure thing. I’ll get you the freshest, sweetest ones.”
As he began bagging them, Erika blinked and said, “Um... I don’t have any money. Can you pick out a few that aren’t sweet?”
“???”
The vendor froze. The cheerful expression on his face instantly turned sour.
“You’re joking, right?”
“But you said—‘not sweet, not a cent’?”
“Scram! Go away! Don’t ruin my business!”
“...”
Chased off, Erika pouted.
“Liar… said it was free if it wasn’t sweet.”
Muttering to herself, she walked off. Still, the free Luoli fruit left her feeling somewhat satisfied.
As she wandered, she suddenly spotted something shiny.
What was it? A gold coin!
Erika looked left and right, acting like a thief.
Seeing no one around, she quickly snatched it up.
What luck! Just when she was broke, she found money! Must be divine favor!
Wait—she was a follower of an evil god...
Still, it was a gift from the heavens!
Delighted, she clutched the coin and ran straight to the bun shop. Staring at the steaming meat buns, her mouth practically watered.
“You’re back, little miss.”
The vendor seemed to remember Erika. Seeing the badge on her chest, he said, “Looks like you’re officially a bronze-tier student at Wode Academy. Not bad—passing the exam at your age.”
“Mister, I want meat buns.”
“Heh heh, tasty, right? These are lamb-filled. Even nobles come here to buy them.”
“Mm, really tasty.”
Erika nodded and held up five fingers. “I want five.”
“Bringing some home for your friend?”
Erika tilted her head. These were all for herself, right?
But… maybe she should share some with Gladys. If she liked them, maybe Erika could eat them every day?
“Make that ten.”
The vendor blinked, then nodded.
“Alright.”
Smiling, he began packing ten large buns into two big brown paper bags.
After paying, Erika hugged the bags with both arms—nearly burying her tiny head.
“Careful there, little miss. If it’s too much to carry, you could buy fewer.”
“It’s okay. Thanks.”
Balancing the bags, Erika used one hand to grip them while stuffing a bun into her mouth with the other.
The savory meat and soft bun made her squint with joy as she chewed.
So delicious.
Her face radiating happiness, Erika walked until someone blocked her path.
The person wasn’t tall—around her size—with silver-white hair.
That girl Isana?
Erika had no idea when she’d left the academy, but now she stood with hands on hips, brazenly blocking Erika’s way.
“Got something to say?”
Chewing her bun, Erika mumbled.
Isana said nothing. Her silver hair fluttered in the wind, and her gaze held a playful gleam, like she was watching a monkey. Her smirk deepened.
Seeing that expression, Erika frowned.
Before she could speak again, Isana said,
“Finally lured you out here, you greedy little thing. Didn’t anyone teach you not to pocket lost money?”
“What do you mean? Looking for trouble? I’m not scared.”
“That’s her. Tie her up.”
“???”
Still dazed, Erika suddenly saw a group of burly guards emerge from a nearby alley.
Their target was clear—Erika.